TAMPA, Fla. -- Notes from a long, frustrating day for Penn State following a 37-24 loss to Florida in the Outback Bowl:

SAY WHAT?

Joe Paterno stuck by quarterback Matt McGloin, whose five interceptions set a school record. But quarterbacks coach Jay Paterno said he thought about replacing McGloin with Bolden, ultimately deciding against it.

You second-guess it because it didn’t work,” he said. “But I think we were trying to set a tone, trying to be aggressive in our play-calling and get after them. We wanted our offense to know that we were going to let it all hang out. It just didn’t work for us.”

Joe Paterno said he thought McGloin "was doing pretty well," adding that "we can't blame it on McGloin." Asked later what he meant by doing well, Paterno took a jab at those who say he needs a hearing aid.

"I didn't say that at all, I said I wouldn't blame it on him," Paterno cracked. "You ought to check your hearing."

BEYOND QUARTERBACK

Receiver Justin Brown had a rough game, with drops in two critical situations. Evan Royster quietly became the first Penn State player with three 1,000-yard seasons. Silas Redd (8 carries, 13 yards) didn't get into the same groove.

The offensive line played a pretty fair game, particularly guard Stefen Wisniewski, who ended his career quite strong. His departure will hit the line hard next year.

Devon Smith needs to become more than a one-note sweep runner. He also has to learn to stay on his feet.

DEFENSIVE STANDOUTS

Cornerback D'Anton Lynn made two timely plays (an interception and fumble recovery in the end zone) to cap a pretty strong season. Penn State's secondary actually played well. Safety Malcolm Willis will be a nice complement to Nick Sukay, if he ever can get healthy.

Defensive tackle Devon Still needs to take this game directly into the offseason. He had 3.5 tackles for loss and showed what kind of player he truly can become.

Who will the next defensive end to pressure the quarterback?

SPECIAL TEAMS

Anthony Fera didn't seem quite ready to return after missing the final two games of the season due to complications from an appendicitis. His slow-motion punt was part of the problem on the block that led to a touchdown. Not having Fera on kickoffs also hurt: Fera had 19 touchbacks this year. Collin Wagner couldn't get the ball into the end zone.

Penn State used five different players on kickoffs, trying desperately to find the right combinations. Chaz Powell and Stephfon Green were out early, but Green sustained another bowl ankle injury and did not return (he broke his ankle in the 2009 Rose Bowl). Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said Paterno "had an issue" with Powell but would not elaborate.

Shawney Kersey's lucky that Florida didn't ask for his return fumble to be reviewed.

Also, Penn State should have asked for the incompletion to Justin Brown to be reviewed prior to the punt block. At least it could have given the punt team time to prepare.

NOTEWORTHY

Bradley was asked whether he had heard from Pitt regarding its newest opening. He shook his head at the question, said "No," but wouldn't go further.

Is Urban Meyer trying to remain in Penn State's view, should Paterno ever retire? He continued his love for the coach after the game.

"He will go down as the greatest football coach in the history of the game, and he should," Meyer said. "Every young coach, in my opinion, should take a lesson from him, not some of this other stuff going on. If I ever start a coaching school, I am going to make everybody do a book report on Joe Paterno and say that's the way you should act in coaching."

This was the second consecutive year a Big Ten quarterback has thrown five interceptions in the Outback Bowl. Northwestern's Mike Kafka hit the mark last year.

Joe Paterno will conduct his annual season-wrap press conference Sunday morning. He probably won't retire. But check back for updates.

Current Comments

Though McGloin should not have thrown several (ok maybe 15) of the passes he threw, it should be noted that there was no separation by the receivers. You hit the nail on the head--just better talent on the other side. Imagine if we had Floyd and Jenkins on our side...